Chapter 35
35
As dawn broke, Noel stood by the window, gazing at the sprawling mountains painted in the soft morning light. The world felt still, the quiet beauty of the scene washing over her, and for a moment, the tension in her shoulders melted. She held her cup of tea close, breathing in its warmth, savoring the comforting heat as she took a sip. It was cool enough to drink, the perfect balm for her frayed nerves.
With a deep sigh, she turned away from the view, letting her mind drift back over the past few days' events. Her chest tightened as she recalled the dizzying sequence of fear, anger, and disbelief. The hospital’s toxicology report had confirmed what Roy had admitted—he’d slipped a small amount of temazepam into her drink. Enough to make her disoriented, groggy… vulnerable. But his plan had hinged on her finishing the dry wine, where he’d added the most. When she’d only sipped it and turned to the honey wine, he’d had to improvise. If she’d driven off that night, she’d likely never have seen the morning.
A shudder ran through her, and she took a slow, steadying breath, grounding herself in the present. She was safe now. Landon had stayed by her side, a solid anchor, steady and unyielding.
The memory of that hospital night lingered—the weight of Agent Tomey’s questions, the realization that the plan had been darker, colder than she’d first thought. But nothing had struck her harder than the visit to the Fugate family. Telling Stan, Thurston, and Margaret that their attorney and close friend had betrayed them so deeply was like tearing open an old wound. They’d been horrified when they learned that Mike, a trusted family employee, had agreed to kill Pamela, the mother of Stan’s children.
Noel had been so pleased that none of the Fugates had been involved that she hadn’t fully prepared for how hurt and angry they were, although, in hindsight, it made sense.
“You’re telling me that Mike was going to poison my children’s mother while they were in the house?” Stan roared.
Tears ran down Margaret’s face, as she shook her head, shock mixed with fear evident in her eyes. The lines deepened on Thurston’s brow.
They had asked questions, and Noel and Landon filled them in on what they knew. Once the Fugates discovered Roy had drugged her and planned on her demise, they were even more shocked. It was decided that they wouldn’t tell Penny or Tad anything at this time. And by the time the twins got home from school, Noel and Landon were composed enough to offer heartfelt greetings and promises to come back to visit.
Now, two days later, she was staying at Landon’s place, a quiet refuge where she could breathe and let the last of the fear ebb away. She glanced around his house, surprised at how warm it felt for a single man’s home. It was large, with wide windows and open spaces that bathed the rooms in light. The same view of the mountains from his bedroom window had greeted her when she’d woken, a sight so stunning it was almost enough to quiet the uneasy memories.
Noel glanced back toward the bedroom, wondering if Landon was still asleep. She’d slipped out of bed quietly, surprised he hadn’t stirred. She couldn’t help the faint smile that played on her lips. Even when he was fast asleep, she felt his presence like a protective warmth.
“Hey,” he said, and she jumped, her gaze snapping to see him leaning against the refrigerator just inside the kitchen.
She smiled and walked straight to him, setting her tea onto the counter as she went. He opened his arms as she neared just like she knew he would. Snuggling close, she rested her head against his chest as her arms snaked around his waist. “Hey, back,” she murmured.
“You left.” His accusation was spoken softly and mumbled against her hair.
She smiled and squeezed her arms. “I was surprised you let me go.”
“I knew when you left and figured you needed some time to yourself.”
She leaned back to peer up into his face. “That’s very perceptive.”
He grinned and kissed her nose. “You haven’t had a moment alone in days. Your parents came, and the Keepers stopped by. Mary, Vivian, and Lenore came over and brought food.”
“I think Mary, Vivian, and Lenore were doing more than just bringing food. They are absolutely wonderful, but I’m pretty sure they were checking me out. You know… Is she worthy to be with a Keeper? ”
He chuckled. “You might be right, but there’s no doubt about that. I’m more worried about being worthy of you.”
Her arms squeezed again. “I think we’re perfect together.”
“Agreed.” Now, he bent farther to place a soft kiss on her lips.
“Oh, and just so you know, Lenore and Sisco’s daughter is trying to give us a kitten.”
Landon burst into laughter. “She can’t part with any of them, so I have no idea why she is trying to find a new home for one.” As their mirth eased, she held his gaze and said, “I like your friends, Landon.”
“That’s good. They like you.”
She sighed. “My life has always been boring.” Seeing his lifted brow, she said, “Shooting someone, running through the jungle during a storm, sleeping in a shed, having someone hold a gun on me, hearing the confession of sorts from a dying man who was going to be a murderer, being poisoned and a knife pulled on me with a plan to kill me… Landon, I’m tired of all this stupid stuff. It’s ridiculous!”
He chuckled, and she felt the rumble from deep in his chest as his gaze held hers. “I admit, all that is nuts, but the way you’ve handled it, sweetheart, is what makes everyone think you’re perfect for me.”
Eyes wide, she shook her head. “Are you telling me that we can’t go back to my boring life?”
“I think we’ve had our fair share of excitement. Now, you and I can settle in for boring if you’d like. Just as long as we’re together.”
Her top teeth pinched her bottom lip. “We’ve only been together for a week.”
“Do you know how you feel about me?”
She nodded. “Yeah. I’m crazy about you, but then maybe I’m just crazy.”
He laughed and shook his head. “Noel, all I know is that I want you right where you are—in my arms for as long as you’ll let me hold you.”
She placed her head on his chest again. “Good. Because right here is where I want to be.”
Don’t miss the exciting new LSIMT on the horizon!
Devlin